The Five: Narratives of Victims and Survivors provides readers with deeply personal firsthand accounts from individuals who have survived violent relationships and moved forward to lead fulfilling lives. The narratives contain more depth and breadth than case studies, capturing the stories of each survivor ranging from early childhood traumatic events to present-day survival tactics used to cope with everyday life.

The accounts help readers identify similar patterns of abuse passed from generation to generation, and supplemental commentaries from the editor and other researchers in the social sciences provide additional academic context. Readers learn how to deal with their own situations and relationships or how to assist those they know who are involved in potentially escalating or dangerous relationships.

Chapters reveal the lasting consequences of abusive relationships, provide advice for confronting an intimate partner while remaining safe, and offer advice for breaking the cycle of abuse. Intimate and unflinching, The Five is an effective and essential resource for courses and programs on intimate partner violence, sociology, victimology, and other social sciences.

It is also an excellent resource for any individual interested in learning effective interventions and breaking the cycle of abuse. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to domestic violence agencies, shelters, or a similar cause.

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